Joint media release with Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia The Hon Keith Pitt MP and Federal Member for Durack The Hon Melissa Price MP.
The Morrison Government is helping accelerate the development of a new premium fertiliser project in Western Australia which will create hundreds of jobs in the Pilbara region.
Mineral fertiliser company Agrimin Limited has been granted Major Project Status for its Mackay Potash Project, located near the East Pilbara town of Kiwirrkurra.
The project will extract potash minerals from Lake Mackay, which, according to the company, is the largest undeveloped potash-bearing salt lake in the world.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the project would provide significant economic benefits at such a critical time.
"The project will create approximately 300 jobs during construction and 200 jobs during operations, and is estimated to support more than 600 jobs through the broader region and supply chain," Minister Andrews said.
"New jobs and more revenue for the sector will be crucial as the economy continues to deal with and recover from the effects of COVID-19.
"Value-adding to our critical minerals offers Australia huge economic opportunities but given this fertiliser is used extensively by our farmers, it can also further strengthen our sovereign capability."
Agrimin plans to produce up to 426,000 tonnes of premium Sulphate of Potash (SOP) fertiliser per annum over its 20 year life.
This will make the project one of the largest global suppliers of SOP fertiliser, generating estimated annual sales revenue of $315 million.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said there is growing international demand for Australia's critical minerals.
"Potash is recognised as a critical mineral in the United States and is important to other countries around the world."
"Overseas markets represent growing opportunities for Australia's critical minerals, especially as they look to build their industry capabilities." Minister Pitt said.
Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the project would be a boost for the East Pilbara, one of the most remote regions of the country.
"This project will contribute to the livelihoods of those living in Kiwirrkurra and surrounds, with the creation of a sealed road, sealed airstrip and improved communications," Ms Price said.
"It will decrease travel times and increase the connectivity of remote Indigenous towns with larger centres, improving the ability of Indigenous people to access key services."
Major Project Status is the Commonwealth Government's recognition of the strategic significance of a project to Australia. It provides companies with extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including a single entry point for Commonwealth Government approvals, project support and coordination, and help with state and territory approvals.
